More than 1 in 3 Ontarians say extreme summer weather is affecting their eyes

Across Ontario, the sting of heat and haze in the air has become difficult to ignore, leaving many wondering if their watery, burning eyes are just part of the summer season or something more. 

And they're not imagining it, as a poll found that 35 per cent of Ontario residents say their eye health has been affected by extreme summer weather in the past year. 

"Given the amount of smoke present in the atmosphere this season, it is not surprising that there are more concerns regarding the ocular effect," Dr. Phil Hooper, treasurer on the board of directors for COS, said in an emailed statement to The Weather Network.

With wildfire smoke and intense heat now becoming regular summer features, experts say it's essential to understand why these conditions are occurring and how to protect your eyes this summer.

The link between climate change and your eyes

Ontario's heat waves and smoke drifting from Western Canada's wildfires have brought in persistent haze and record levels of poor air quality to many parts of the province this summer. The rise in climate change has only intensified those conditions by fueling longer fire seasons and more frequent heatwaves. 

That haze isn't only hard to breathe through, but it also irritates the eyes.

Wildfire smoke contains gases, water vapour and tiny particles that can inflame the surface of the eye, causing more mucus and tearing. Hooper explained that, when paired with strong sunlight, the eye's surface can be further harmed, sometimes leading to severe pain and heavy tearing. 

Experts recommend staying indoors with filtered air on smoky days, noting that any visible smoke in the air is likely to cause eye irritation. 

As the summers continue to grow hazier and hotter, ensuring you have the right coverage could be just as crucial as applying sunscreen and carrying sunglasses.

What OHIP Covers – and why extra protection helps

Ontario's Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers many essential medical services, but its vision care benefits are limited. That means residents who develop vision issues from UV exposure or smoke may face out-of-pocket costs for follow-up appointments, prescriptions, or corrective lenses.

Keep your eyes safe with CAA

CAA Health and Dental Insurance can help fill those gaps with plans that offer coverage for routine eye exams and prescribed glasses, along with benefits for prescription drugs and other health services not covered by OHIP. 

Their flexible options allow you to choose the level of coverage that works best for your lifestyle – and preferred pricing is available for CAA Members. 

Learn how to keep your vision safe this summer with CAA Protect by booking an appointment with our licensed insurance advisors or calling 1-800-709-5809.

Have a question? To speak to a professional who can guide you to the right coverage from the right insurer at the right price call us at: 1-800-709-5809 or email us at info@caaprotect.ca